Model 17 grips

[Aussie Bruce]

If I have done it right here are some photos of Model 17-3 serial no 1K17837 (which dates from 1970) and its grips.
You will see that that the right grip has a mirror image of the extractor relief of the left grip. Is there any possibility that this is correct? I believe the original owner had the skills to alter the grip expertly. Any help would be welcome.

 

[murphydog]

Most likely this model 17 came with Magna stocks. The black stock discs are correct for Target stocks of the gun's era, but the left extractor ("football") cutout has been enlarged and the right is not factory. There are some later factory Target stocks with two matching cutouts, usually from special edition guns with larger sideplate logos/engraving. Hope this is helpful.

PS Heard your summer has been unusually warm?

 

[Aussie Bruce]

Many thanks for that information. I was completely unaware that any stocks with matching cutouts ever existed.
This gun was purchased new here ( Sydney Australia) in the early seventies, for target shooting, ( what I understand you call "bullseye shooting" over there) by a man now in his 90s and he has said that it has not been changed since then.The stocks fit perfectly and having regard to the fact that it has been in no other hands I am inclined to believe they are original to the gun particularly as there are relatively few handguns here and so less chance they will be 'fiddled with".
And yes, it is a bit warmer here than I would like but perhaps a bit easier to live with than that icy blast in parts of the USA

 

[H Richard]

The way the "football" is relieved on the rear is unlike any relief I have ever seen from S&W. I have never seen a "football" style relief on the right side. To my mind they were modified outside the factory, but will be interested if anyone else has ever seen anything like it. I am glad you said the original owner was a bullseye shooter, as I did a similar modification on some targets (left side) from a 17-4 many years ago for bullseye use. Srt of like a thumb rest.

 

[pumpgun]

was he left handed by chance? looks like a mod for a thumb grip.